Jay Shah to be named ICC Chairman; cricket fans have a field day on social media

    According to the ICC, current directors must submit nominations for the next chair by August 27, 2024.

    Jay Shah - ICC Chairman

    Jay Shah - ICC Chairman

    Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is set to replace Greg Barclay as the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), according to multiple sources. Shah, who is supported by the cricket boards of England and Australia, has secured the numbers needed to become the ICC's new chairman. At 35, he would be the youngest chairman in ICC history.

    Barclay informed ICC directors, including Cricket Australia's chair Mike Baird, via video conference that he will not seek a third term. His decision follows Jay Shah's announcement of his intent to succeed him starting in November. "ICC chair Greg Barclay confirmed to the board that he will not stand for a third term and will step down at the end of November when his current tenure concludes. Barclay was appointed as the independent ICC chair in November 2020 and re-elected in 2022," an ICC spokesperson told The Age.

    According to the ICC, current directors must submit nominations for the next chair by August 27, 2024. If there is more than one candidate, an election will be held, with the new chair's term beginning on December 1, 2024. The election requires 16 votes, and a simple majority of nine votes (51%) is needed to win. Previously, a two-thirds majority was required.

    The news of Shah's impending appointment sparked a wave of reactions on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), where fans shared memes, pictures, and congratulations.

    Jagmohan Dalmiya (1997 to 2000), Sharad Pawar (2010-2012) — as presidents — and N Srinivasan (2014 to 2015) and Shashank Manohar (2015 to 2020) — as chairmen — are the only four Indians who have previously headed the ICC. Shah, who is also the son of India's home minister Amit Shah, will become the third Indian to take on this role when he officially succeeds Barclay in November.